Darian makes splash

But it was all worth it when she received an award for her Western Australian Certificate of Education (WACE) results.

Along with her studies, the recent Canning Vale College graduate trained six days a week, with her dream to represent Australia at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.

Darian received a certificate of commendation, which is awarded to each eligible student who, in their last three consecutive years of senior secondary WACE enrolment, gets 20 As in course units.

The 17-year-old has already shown promise in the swimming world, having medalled at national championships in the 200m butterfly.

Darian studied chemistry, human biology, maths, English and physical education studies throughout Year 12 and hoped to study psychology or physiotherapy at university.

She said the biggest piece of advice she could give in terms of splitting time between sport and study was to manage stress levels.

“Time management is the major thing, I suppose not putting things off, and putting my all into everything,” she said. “Stress is not helpful to studying, have lots of breaks and down time.

“It was worth the effort; I didn’t want to waste two years of my life.”